(May 13, 2009) - Dr. Jeronima (Jeri) Echeverria, associate vice chancellor for Academic Affairs at the California State University Office of the Chancellor, was appointed as executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer for the CSU system at the CSU Board of Trustees meeting today.

Echeverria has served as associate vice chancellor since February, and previously held a number of positions at California State University, Fresno over the past 21 years. Most recently, Echeverria was provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, as well as a professor of history. While at Fresno, she also served as associate provost, associate dean of the College of Social Sciences, and chair of the department of history.

Echeverria earned a B.A. degree in humanities and history from the University of California, Irvine, an M.A. and teaching credential from the University of North Texas, as well as a Ph.D., both in history.

“I am honored to have been named executive vice chancellor for Academic Affairs, and am proud to have the opportunity to serve this large university system as its Chief Academic Officer,” said Echeverria. “CSU is a national leader in offering our students an excellent and affordable education. We provide a diverse student population with the opportunity to exceed their dreams.”

The CSU executive vice chancellor serves as a principal policy and executive management advisor to the chancellor and acts for CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed in his absence. The responsibilities of the position include: forming plans and actions to implement directives of the chancellor and Board of Trustees; serving as an advisor in the management direction of system policy and operation; establishing direction and priorities for the Division of Academic Affairs, ensuring the CSU mission of quality education and access at a low cost, and communicating that mission to CSU constituencies.

Echeverria will begin her new duties July 1, following the retirement of Dr. Gary Reichard, who has served as executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer since 2006. Compensation for the executive vice chancellor was set at $285,000.

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About the California State University
The California State University is the largest system of senior higher education in the country, with 23 campuses, approximately 450,000 students and 46,000 faculty and staff. Since the system was created in 1961, it has awarded nearly 2.5 million degrees, about 90,000 annually. Its mission is to provide high-quality, affordable education to meet the ever-changing needs of the people of California. With its commitment to excellence, diversity and innovation, the CSU is the university system that is working for California.